Bell's Winter White Ale - Bell's Brewery, Inc.

tobelerone

New Jersey

4.22/5  rDev +15.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pale yellow, cloudy beer with a one finger head that falls slowly to a thin band. Lacing is attractive, creamy, but not sticky. Nose on the milder side and has typical Wit spices like coriander and clove at the fore; lightly citrusy, with very faint bitter hops underneath.

The taste is a little more balanced between the elements, resulting in a delicious beer not dominated by the spices but blending well with lemony citrus and restrained grassy, bitter hops.

Good carbonation, body on the light side, with a soft mouthfeel and clean finish. Very nice example of the style, a little hoppier than usual. I preferred this to the more widely known Allagash White.

Edit: I've read that this beer is brewed without the addition of any spices. Not sure if that's true but if it is it's a testament to the artfulness of the brewer; there's a yeasty complexity that really imparts the clove and coriander seed flavor. Nice alternative to the more heavy handed spiced wits on the market.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2011 22:41:31 | More by tobelerone

Ryanm1

Pennsylvania

4.23/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a bottle into a pint glass

Pour with a small amount of white lacing that disappated rather quickly. A small amount of carbonation continually bubbled to the surface. Displayed a bit of cloudyness through the glass, but no left over yeast.

Lemon citrusy smell. Common to most belgians. Yellowy gold in color.

Very lemony taste typical wheat beer taste. 5.0% abv. Very refreshing. Slightly sweet. I'd reach for another, but then again I am a huge wheat beer fan. On par with other German Weiss beers. Great on the palate evervescent.

Very similiar to Trade Joe's wheat beer, almost ashamed to admit that I'd like something like that but if you look at this beer and that beers ratings they are almost identical.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2013 02:31:25 | More by Ryanm1

WVbeergeek

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Whatever Vecenie's did for the Pittsburgh area it's amazing setting up the deal with Bell's to bring in their products was a huge step but now we're getting a taste of their winter white ale, wow thank you? Appearance: Cloudy peach golden with a nice chunky whtie head nice full sporadic layer of patched lacing. Aroma: Spiced up, banana an excellent Bell's wit. Taste: Slightly creamy sharp sweetness of malted wheat, creamy at first but then the coriander and zest of the peppery hops takes a nice turn toward oh yeah. Mouthfeel: Medium to light in body kinda beefed up Oberon ala winter white, pretty damn good I'm a fan. Drinkability: Awesome session all the way solid all around one of my favorite wits so far.

Serving type: on-tap

12-24-2003 01:13:30 | More by WVbeergeek

sleazo

New York

4.25/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A_Pours a cloudy pale orange-yellow with not much head to speak of nor lace.

S_Very nice aroma here. Orange, coriander and belgian yeasty esters jump out at you.

T_Lighter on the pallate than the nose would have you think. Initial orange sweetness is followed by a mild spiciness where coriander dominates. The finish is fairly dry for the upfront sweetness and gives a vague hop presence. As it warms you get some banana clove phenols as well.

M-Light body, medium carbonation.

D_I am fairly impressed with this one. It is well balanced with the spices and fruit. Surprisingly good for an US witbier, though I have come to expect as much from Bell's. I also like how they buck the trend and release a 4.5%witbier as their winter seasonal.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2008 22:00:16 | More by sleazo

WesWes

New York

4.25/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer pours a hazy pale gold color with a thick frothy white head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is good. It has a light pale and wheat malt scent along with a fruity yeast aroma. It's refreshingly crisp with a nice citrus element. The taste is great. It has a very smooth wheat malt flavor that goes down easy and finishes dry with a citrus edge. The yeast provides excellent character. The mouthfeel is fine. It is a medium bodied beer with adequate carbonation. This is a very good wit. It's light and refreshing; a nice twist on a winter seasonal.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2008 23:22:09 | More by WesWes

putnam

Michigan

4.28/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Hazy yellow with a slick of white on top. The aromatics are complex and feature notes of lemon, cracker, spicebox, sour herbs, butter and sugar glaze. On the palate it features comfortable raw nutty flavors intermixed with tart herbal and citric essences. Creamy mousse and cold, stony mineral flavors conspire to leave soft, cottony dry impressions on the finish. There is a fairly hard, bitter close that detracts from the considerable merit of the forward elements.

This is one of the best lower-ABV beers from this brewery I've had in years.

And it is Orwellian insanity to market this as a winter seasonal.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2004 20:38:04 | More by putnam

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

4.28/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Bell's Winter White displays the typical appearance of a Belgian wit with a hazy golden-orange body through which very fine bubbles can be seen steadily rising. Its thinly-creamy head of bright white holds fairly well but leaves only spotty lace about the glass. The nose is also quite standard with notes of coriander over a wheatish malt base. In the mouth it's light/medium bodied and the carbonation lends a mild caress to the tongue. It has a lower carbonation level, and less effervescence than many of the better known examples from Belgium. The flavor delivers a delicate blend of semi-sweet wheatish malt; a delicate tartness and some fruitiness from the yeast; and a flick of spiciness and some flavor from the coriander. The low-key bitterness is propperly coralled, and it's immaculately balanced. It finishes with a touch of tartness on the front of the tongue and delicately spicy coriander at the back of the mouth. It lingers shortly and then fades, never building on the palate and lending greatly to its drinkability.

This one's a real winner; and if you think about it, it's not such an odd choice for a winter beer from a brewery that makes more than a half a dozen stouts year-round.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2005 20:51:27 | More by NeroFiddled

mmmbeer

Massachusetts

4.28/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

12 oz. bottle, batch 7760 (bottled on 12/13/06). It pours an opaque yellowed orange with two fingers of white head that leaves decent lacing. The aroma is lightly tart with a good wheat presence, straw, and hints of orange, with mostly just wheat on the palate, yet still tastes quite nice. The body is a bit creamy and fairly full for a wheat beer, with medium carbonation and finish. Overall a well-structured wheat beer that is quite drinkable, as it was gone before I even knew it.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2007 04:45:54 | More by mmmbeer

mynie

Indiana

4.3/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a pretty gold with a decent head, but not hazy at all for a wit.

Smells like quite the wit, though, with big huge spicy wheatmalt letting through nodes of white pepper and cloves.

Tastes like wonderfully overpowering wheatspice. Big cloves, all spice, ginger, corriander, and white pepper against a sugary background.

Hell yeah. I always like spicy wheat beers more on cold days than on hot ones. This is a great idea and a wonderfully brewed beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2006 04:41:56 | More by mynie

Chaz

Minnesota

4.3/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours like a classic Wit: opaque, pale golden and whitish in color, and with plenty of suspended yeast. Slight pale tan-head and lacing. Nose is right on style, mildly spicy, but rather perfumey, with yeast, clove, and bubblegum qualities, all of which make a great impact on the first sip. Mouthfeel is light and creamy, almost effortless to drink, and with very low apparent alcohol. Juicy and malty (yet light), and very flavorful, this reminds me very favorably of the Saint Bernardus Wit. Wonderful stuff, and a totally unexpected approach to a Winter seasonal. The first time I was served this it was accidentally, during a rush at a local bar. I asked for a Summit Winter and I got a Bell's Winter. I drank it without knowing what it was, partly figuring that (it being a game day) I wouldn't get another beer before long. This particular bar serves a lot of draught Blue Moon, so I mistook it for that right away, but then realized how much *better* it was than the Blue Moon I've had umpteen times in the past! For five seconds I was thinking of re-appraising my view of Blue Moon! Fine job Larry Bell . . . this would be great in 12 packs in summer . . . hey, a guy can dream right?

Serving type: on-tap

01-09-2007 22:57:49 | More by Chaz

JayQue

Virginia

4.3/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This was really surprising. With a little more carbonation and a bigger, longer lasting head, it would be great.

Poured into a Bud Select Pilsner glass from Busch Gardens. Nice golden/straw hazy color. Small fizzy white head that could have lasted a bit longer.

Good solid smell, wheat and citrus. Very robust taste. Has everything, wheat bitterness, citrus, cloves, banana. Very surprising strong taste for a 4.5% abv beer.

Mouthfeel is crisp, not watery and some carbonation to tickle the tongue (where was the head??).

Drinkability is good. I could swill this stuff all night.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2009 22:57:41 | More by JayQue

SolipsismalCat

Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a pint glass.

A: Extra cloudy yellow with one-finger, white head that lasted less than a minute. Not much lacing.

S: Citrus, wheat, and yeast. Belgian.

T: Moderate sweetness and light bitterness. Wheat, very grainy flavor. Belgian yeast is in there too, sort of spicy. Good.

M: Medium bodied with fizzy carbonation. Silky smooth and slightly warm.

O: The head was disappointing, but the nose and taste are solid. Nice alternative to other winter offerings.

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2011 03:45:43 | More by SolipsismalCat

dfried

Minnesota

4.33/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Hazy pale straw in color, thin and fine head. The aroma is a good mix of wheat, citrus zest, and spices, solid all around. The flavor of this beer is not that much different than most American Wits, but there is something aobut it that I like a lot, I think the zesty and spicy flavors are balanced a bit more in this one by a more full wheat malt body. It's not a super heavy body by any means, the other flavors get plenty of attention.

Verdict: easily overlooked gem by Bell's. You think winter, you think dark usually, but I have spent a couple evenings at bonfires while snow was falling drinking this beer. They seemed to disappear too fast.

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2006 04:01:24 | More by dfried

brentk56

North Carolina

4.33/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Pours a hazy golden color with a meringue of a head that leaves plenty of lace

Smell: Perfume of banana, bubblegum, anise and a dash of lemon pepper

Taste: Starts out with a banana bread flavor, that adds the lemon and anise flavors by mid-palate; after the swallow, the lemon fruit flavors build and there is a final dash of pepper in the finish

Mouthfeel: Light bodied with moderately high carbonation

Drinkability: Not a classic wit as I understand it is brewed without spices, this is nevertheless a tasty wheat beer that has elements of a wit and a hefe; nice job

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2007 23:32:32 | More by brentk56

msjacilynn

Minnesota

4.33/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Review from old notes: 12/31/08

A: hazy pale yellow with little white head.

S: spicy nose with a hint of wheat.

T: variety of spice with a hint of cider/orange/banana fruity-ness.

M: thin and well carbonated.

D: I know this beer is not for everyone but it is one of my favorite wheats, especially around the holidays!

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2011 16:37:06 | More by msjacilynn

Shibbykaiyai

Michigan

4.33/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

All around well crafted ale.

I had the Bell's Winter White at a local bar on tap via a pitcher (not my choice). It pours nice and orangish with a some cloudiness to it.

Taste was quite good. I liked it off the bat and after a couple more tastes, grew to like it more. I have since purchased it in bottle and enjoyed it at home as well.

On tap or in bottle (tap better of course), I recommend this seasonal ale while you can get it.

Serving type: on-tap

11-14-2011 04:04:55 | More by Shibbykaiyai

OatherS

Kansas

4.35/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Very nice label of a snowy scene through woods. I hope the beer is as good as the label.

A: NIce one finger head after the yeast is poured in. Good cloudy yellow color.

S: mild yeast and coriander overtones.

T: Very good wit beer. Perhaps the best I have had.

M: Smooth.

D: Very drinkable, unfortunately part of a mix a six.

Serving type: bottle

07-14-2005 00:46:14 | More by OatherS

cdkrenz

Wisconsin

4.35/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Drizzam is the man!

A - Cloudy, pale orange body with a head at about three quarters of an inch and eggshell in color. The head has some okay stamina as it gently fades.

S - Pungent clove and a hint of bananas.

T - Subtle spice accenting a bitter wheat flavor. There's a fruitiness to it that's mild and becoming.

M - Ever-so-slight coarseness to the texture with a chilly finish. This brew goes back very easily.

~ This is a great beer. I recommend this brew to everyone looking for a sessionable winter style brew. It has very good aroma character that's backed up with an even better feel and collage of flavors. Give this one a try, you won't regret it.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2009 23:08:42 | More by cdkrenz

Bighuge

Minnesota

4.38/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Hazy golden orange appearance. Actually, quite murky looking. A fair sized off white head sits on top and leaves sparse lace down the sides of the glass as I drink. Aromas of clove and banana, yeast and pepper hit my nostrils. The taste is quite nice. Very nice bavarian weizen profile. Some great banana and vanilla things happening. And more subtle tones of pepper and clove. Yeasty tones are quite nice and a little bready. When I tasted this tonight, I was hoping for a big ol weizenbock or something. I didn't know what style it was, but after tasting it, I was guessing German style Hefe. It has a great full body and a luscious mouthfeel. Very easy drinking and quite tasty. After one try, I'd have to say I prefer this to their Oberon "American Wheat" beer. I just think it has more character and depth. I'd like to see this one in bottles over the summer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-17-2003 03:54:36 | More by Bighuge

jasonpeckins32

Michigan

4.38/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a soft, hazy yellow with very minimal head retention. The aroma is quite simple and faint.

It has a clean hop taste with mild spices. A touch of bitterness. Nothing over done, very very well balanced.

The mouthfeel is crisp and has an excellent carbonation. Outstanding beer!

Serving type: on-tap

12-06-2007 22:24:10 | More by jasonpeckins32

wheatyweiss

Wisconsin

4.38/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a bottle into a half chalice.

Pours a cloudy medium straw with a bubbly head that recedes quickly.

Aroma is of citrus, orange and wheat with a hint of banana.

Flavor is bubble gum and wheat. I don't care what the label says this is an excellent example of a hefe weiss. Fruity citrus and bready wheat with a banana undertone. The yeast in this one works perfectly.

Mouthfeel is smooth and creamy. Carbonation is light and perfect.

Drinkability is excellent for the label.

If Bell's labels this as a white ale, I would love to try their hefe, cuz this is a good hefe of it's own right. First Bell's I've had and it's excellent. Believe the hype!!

Serving type: bottle

05-23-2008 23:29:23 | More by wheatyweiss

schoolboy

Ohio

4.38/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Very nice ale. Mildly yeasty taste, smell. Just right, not too much. On the next bottle I will leave a half inch and swirl it around to get all the yeast. Why not - it will probably be very tasty.

Bell's usually produces very fine products and this one is up to their standards. I will try to get it again some time (so much beer to drink and so little time).

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2009 18:46:01 | More by schoolboy

Kolsch

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap: Headkeepers, Greensburg PA.

Appearance: Cloudly with slight orange hues, though mostly white. Small cusp of head, which is usual per white ales.

Smell: coriander, clove and lemony.

Taste: as smell indicates above. Coriandar, clove and lemongrass. No additional spices claims Bells website and I believe this to be true. Carbonation spot on. Very tasty, easy drinking and interesting enough that I can several without hesitation.

Overall: excellent example of a traditional white ale. Was hesitant to have since I associate Wits with summer but this hit the spot for a cold December day.

Serving type: on-tap

12-19-2010 15:55:19 | More by Kolsch

kmpitz2

Tennessee

4.4/5  rDev +20.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This beer pours a pale pale golden color. There is a finger of head taht falls to ring the beer. The nose is all about he wit. There is a lot of orange and spice from the malt and the yeast. Smells like a nice beer to me. Not my favorite style, but I do like it. The flavor is dominated with the spices initially, but hte sweet orange character comes through secondarily, with a grand finish of spice. This is a really nice wit beer. The feel is thick. More thick than others I have had in while. A really nice wit. the finish is a bit creamy and easy drinking. I am glad I have another of these beers waiting for me in the cellar. Try it if you can. Interesting take on a winter brew, but welcomed relief from the big hops and big malts.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2004 03:54:49 | More by kmpitz2

TastyTaste

Minnesota

4.4/5  rDev +20.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A great example of a witbier. Very spicy and citrusy, with hints of coriander. Color is a beautiful golden orange hazy color that is a treat to the eye. Good hop presence, perfect carbonation for a beer such as this. An unusual selection for a winter beer, but a good one anyways.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2004 17:55:01 | More by TastyTaste